Hello. How to modify my jeep

I used to do every single trail at URE with 31" tires and no lockers. Actually think I had more fun back then too!
 
77GreenMachine said:
Actually think I had more fun back then too!
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That's why I say:

CasterTroy said:
Take your time and enjoy "this part" because it gets expensive from here.
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Troll or not, maybe someone will stumble on this who IS legit and maybe take some advice.

I've seen more than one seasoned wheeler step out of a crawler on tons with +/-39's BACK into a stock(ish) vehicle and end up wheeling THAT more than the crawler on tons. I've never done cocaine, but from what I understand you end up chasing that initial "high" you got from your very first bump. That's kinda how I see wheeling. That high you get right after the FIRST time you navigate something stupid gnarly in a stock(ish) rig......you just can't beat it. We all upgrade to handle bigger stuff....but a lot of times it seems to come full circle again. Where you get back to where you have to do more "cypherin" and picking your line, than just bro-dozering over it.

I was with Bruce Hatton, Rich Quinlan, and a few others when I conquered Daniel in a 96 Bronco open/open on 33's back in 2002/2003 and I was bitten....then again 2015 with Jason/Josh out at big creek. And it's been a hellova ride since!
 
Also, the best time to place jeep into 4lo is when you're moving about 20mph.
 
@CasterTroy you are right on the money. I cut my wrangler up and did a 9"/44 swap on 36s, it was a trailer queen (mostly due to my own shortcuts) but I always regretted it. I had the most fun and use out of that jeep on 8.8/30 locked f/r with 33s than any other rig and combo.
Don't have any plans to make my XJ any bigger. I like to have to fight for it, and have many times took both rigs places that blew peoples minds. You described it perfect with the "high" that comes with doing something like that. Hoping to have much more of it this month at Bearwallow!
 
The first modifications should be to insure that you have the best chance of driving out of the woods and getting home. Here are the most common failure modes with the Jeep YJ and TJ that I have witnessed on the trail.

1) Broken D35 axle shafts. I've seen WAY too many Jeeps sitting on the side of the trail with broken axle shafts. I once saw two in the same day at URE.

2) Bent stock tied rod/drag link. I've seen numerous Jeeps on the side of the trail with bent stock steering linkage

3) Broken/thrown rear drive shafts I've seen a few Jeeps on the trail throw the rear drive shaft, and dump all the TC fluid.

4) Broken front axle shafts/u-joints
 
As a owner of a 4cyl manual Tj I think this guy is in for a world of hurt.....if he’s not a troll

If you are real and want serious advice from someone who owns a 4cyl Tj and wheels all over and has built there Jeep on a budget I’ll tell you.
 
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Funny.....

Sitting in my driveway is a tj that has wheeled all the moderate trails at the flats, and Daniel multiple times.

All with a dana 35.

Could I have put a 44 or 8.8 in it? Yep

But for a little over $600 I built a rear axle that will do everything needed.

Checked the backlash on it a few days ago,
7 thousands , just how it was set up....

So, for a 4 banger on 35s, why would I need to do an axle swap?

Questions?
 
Most fun I had at URE was on 32” tires and a rear locker. I’ve been out with guys that put a ton into their jeeps. Surprise surprise, they were all but bored driving around because there was no challenge left.

If you’re going to wheel it, first thing is safety. Have someone put a cage in it. A REAL CAGE.

Wheel it as is and learn what you’re doing.
 
skyhighZJ said:
The thing I don’t get is you brag about spending $600 to polish a turd when you could have spent the same and had a 8.8:confused:
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I apologize if it seemed i was bragging. I didn't mean to come across that way, but looking back at my previous post it seems I was doing such. So, I do apologize .....

I would be more than happy to pay $600 for a 8.8 that would bolt into my heep, with 4.88 gears and a full case locker.

I would actually offer a $200 finders fee on top of the cost of the axle.

The only stipulation would be that it has all new bearings and seals, have a 2 year warranty on the locker and gears, and a 10 year warranty on the axle shafts.....
 
I have to admit my first rig was my favorite, 79 Scout II, 4" of lift 33s, no lockers, daily driver. I had less than $4000 in the truck and had more fun with it than a lot of my other heavily modified toys. I got to spend more time driving it than wrenching on it.
 
CasterTroy said:
I don't know your friend, but I'd stop listening to him.

Come down to the CTB/True patriot ride May 19 across from the outpost on 109.

We'll pair you with a guide that will shock you with what you can do with your rig.
In fact, find the black TJ with H8MUD license tag. I'll personally take you out to big creek and we'll hang with the "mild" group and I'll stick with you. If you don't have a CB I have a hand held.
By then end of the day you'll have the fever and better driving skills.
Learning to drive a stock rig to its limits is one of the most fulfilling aspects of wheeling. Then you go all bonkers and mod to do harder stuff. Take your time and enjoy "this part" because it gets expensive from here. However, don't listen to ANYONE that says you HAVE to have 35s for URE
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Damn...what does it take to get a free URE escort from @CasterTroy ?!?!?!?!?!?!?
 
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